US20230061757A1 - Airborne pathogen sanitization system - Google Patents
Airborne pathogen sanitization system Download PDFInfo
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- US20230061757A1 US20230061757A1 US17/462,386 US202117462386A US2023061757A1 US 20230061757 A1 US20230061757 A1 US 20230061757A1 US 202117462386 A US202117462386 A US 202117462386A US 2023061757 A1 US2023061757 A1 US 2023061757A1
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
- A61L9/18—Radiation
- A61L9/20—Ultraviolet radiation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/08—Radiation
- A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
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- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
- A61L9/02—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air by heating or combustion
- A61L9/03—Apparatus therefor
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- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
- A61L9/04—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
- A61L9/12—Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor
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- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
- A61L2202/25—Rooms in buildings, passenger compartments
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
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- A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2209/12—Lighting means
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to air sanitizing systems, and more specifically to an air sanitization system for an aircraft lavatory.
- confined spaces One such confined space is a lavatory, another confined space is a galley. Before, during, and after flights the crew and passengers use these confined spaces. Due to the nature of the activities in these confined spaces, there can be smells and odors present that can be unpleasant to the crew and passengers. Passengers often associates smells with cleanliness. Sanitizing air with a UV light, or other means, may not eliminate odors and smells. There is a need to also create a pleasant odor in these confined spaces. High end scent generation is today available in multiple forms. For example, scent marketing is used to enhance customer experience in retail stores, food and beverage stores, casinos and hotels. The aim is typically to put the customer in a positive mood or to otherwise make the customer feel comfortable.
- the aim can also be to provide a scent that people associated with a clean, fresh, or natural environment.
- a scent machine By coupling the sanitization system described herein with a scent machine a total clean environment that is potentially free of many harmful bacteria and viruses can be provided and can therefore provide for a pleasant odor free or odor scent enhanced experience.
- UV radiators have UV light sources inside of an enclosed housing (typically a cylinder). There are UV reflective coatings applied to the inside of the housing. As air passes through the housing, the air particles are bombarded by UV light, which kills pathogens once a threshold is achieved.
- HEPA filters are very efficient in removing unwanted contaminates and from air, but they greatly reduce the air flow within the system. Also, there is a pressure limit at which the system can effectively operate when using a HEPA filter.
- HEPA filters to filter contaminates and pathogens from the air.
- HEPA filters greatly restrict airflow within a system.
- UV air sanitization system would allow the airflow within the system to be significantly increased.
- HEPA filters are typically installed in a central location in the aircraft once the air leaves the HEPA filter it may combine with local pathogens. For example, when a passenger sneezes inside a lavatory, the exhaled air may include moisture laden pathogens. There is now a local condition where pathogens are present. Similarly, when a passenger uses a toilet, or a toilet is flushed, non-desirable odors and smell are generated. The central HEPA filter does not prevent this.
- the present invention includes an air duct that can be used to sanitize the air inside of an enclosed space to remove, kill, destroy or eliminate airborne pathogens.
- the air duct contains UV light sources or emitters located in a pattern around the interior surface of the air and a UV reflective coating on the inside of the duct in order to provide enough energy to kill airborne pathogens in a short amount of time. Because UV is being used to sanitize the air and not a HEPA filter, the airflow within the system can be significantly increased with a fan forcing optimal dwell time pathways.
- a fragrance dispenser can be placed at or near the outlet of the air sanitization system to give the clean air a refreshing scent.
- the present invention creates a sanitization system that can quickly kill airborne pathogens that are present within an aircraft lavatory that is safe for occupants, produces a scent that can be desirable for occupants and has low power requirements.
- a UV radiator is located at or near the ceiling of an aircraft lavatory. This can be either near the entry door to the lavatory, next to the mirror or over the toilet in the lavatory.
- the UV radiator includes a cylindrical duct (or other shape such as a polygon, ovular, etc.). Located on the interior surface of the cylindrical duct are UV light sources.
- the interior of the duct is open with no middle interior items of any kind so that air flow and reflectivity have optimized performance.
- the UV light sources can be located in a helix pattern, or other similar pattern to maximize coverage of the UV light waves within the cylinder.
- the interior surface of the duct may be coated with UV reflective materials.
- a fan may be located within the duct.
- the fan pushes the air through the duct while the UVC light sources bombard the air particles with UV energy.
- the UV reflective coating increases the amount of UV energy that is absorbed by the pathogens, which destroys them.
- a fragrance dispenser is located at or near the outlet of the duct, which adds a refreshing scent to the sanitized air.
- system can be placed in, on or near a galley to have similar benefits to those described herein with respect to a lavatory.
- the UV may be located underneath the lavatory mirror.
- a portion of the cylindrical duct is replaced with a UV transparent lens, which faces toward the sink.
- the UV transparent lens allows UV light waves to exit the cylinder and contact the surface of the lavatory sink, which sanitizes the surfaces of the sink while also sanitizing the air that is passing through the UV radiator duct.
- an air fragrance dispenser is located at the outlet of the UV radiator duct which adds a refreshing scent to the sanitized air.
- one or more embodiments can be used in the solution.
- UV light is one method of destroying pathogens. Once a particular amount of UV energy is absorbed by the pathogen, it is destroyed.
- UV reflective coatings can be applied to the interior surface of an air duct, which increases the amount of energy that is directed at destroying pathogens and not being wasted as heat. With the interior free of objects, the reflection is highly optimized.
- One of the key enablers of the present invention is the UV reflective coating that may be applied to the interior of the air duct and also the locations of the UV light sources on the interior surface of the duct. These enablers greatly increases the amount of energy that is directed at airborne pathogens which decreased the time that it takes for the pathogens to be destroyed.
- This reflective surface also creates light paths within and outside of the device. The light paths outside of the device are used to clean surfaces. The less time it takes for the pathogens to be destroyed, the greater the air flow within the system can be. This lowers the amount of time needed to sanitize the full volume of lavatory air.
- the type of reflective surface and the associated percent of reflectivity has an exponential effect on intensity.
- a single motor driven fan can be used and this air flow can also be used to cool the LEDs.
- a plurality of sanitization assemblies can also be part of a sanitization system that are in wireless or wired communication with one another and/or a controller that controls the sanitization assemblies and the various components, such as the fan, the lights, the scent dispenser, etc. (e.g., turn the fan on and off, adjust or changes the speed of the fan, turn the lights on and off, adjust or change the intensity, direction or duration of the lights, dispense scent or sanitizer).
- LEDs during their operation generate heat, which can cause LED temperatures to rise. LED reliability and life is impacted by temperature.
- the designer of the product has to ensure sufficient cooling methods available, which can include convective, radiative, or conductive paths. The requirement to remove heat from LEDs can cause results that are not desirable to the customers (as they drive weight and complexity). Therefore, it is beneficial for the product design to be able to use cooling paths generated by the surrounding equipment.
- the air travelling through the duct portion, that is pushed or delivered from the fan has an air flow that is sufficient or capable of cooling the LEDs. The air movement is created by the same fan used to push the air through the sanitization system.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lavatory monument assembly including a plurality of sanitizing assemblies therein in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is perspective view of a portion of the lavatory monument assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an interior/exterior sanitization assembly
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an interior sanitization assembly
- FIG. 5 A is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array;
- FIG. 5 B is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array;
- FIG. 5 C is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array;
- FIG. 5 D is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array.
- FIGS. 1 - 5 D show a vehicle lavatory monument assembly 10 that includes one or more sanitization assembles 30 therein.
- the lavatory monument assembly is utilized in an aircraft.
- any type of vehicle such as a train, bus, etc. is within the scope of the present invention.
- the lavatory monument assembly 10 generally includes an enclosure 12 that includes a plurality of walls (first wall 14 , second wall 16 , third wall 18 and fourth wall (now shown)) that cooperate to define a lavatory interior 22 .
- the enclosure 12 preferably also includes a floor 24 , a ceiling 26 and an entry door 28 that is positioned on one of the plurality of walls.
- the entry door 28 is shown positioned on the second wall 16 .
- the lavatory monument assembly 10 includes one or more sanitization assemblies 30 positioned in the lavatory interior 22 .
- FIG. 1 shows three sanitization assemblies 30 therein, a first sanitization assembly 30 below mirror 32 and above the sink 34 , a second sanitization assembly 30 on the third wall next to the mirror 32 and a third sanitization assembly 30 above the door 28 .
- Any number of sanitization assemblies within the lavatory is within the scope of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 also shows two different types of sanitization assemblies 30 .
- the first type of sanitization assembly 30 that is positioned above the sink (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ) is also referred to generally herein as an interior/exterior sanitization assembly and is numbered 30 a .
- the second type of sanitization assembly 30 (see FIG. 4 ) is referred to herein as an interior sanitization assembly and is numbered 30 b . Therefore, the sanitization assemblies are labeled/numbered generally as 30 and the interior/exterior sanitization assembly is labeled/numbered specifically as 30 a and the interior sanitization assembly is labeled/numbered specifically as 30 b.
- the sanitization assembly 30 includes a duct portion 36 that includes an inner surface 38 that defines a duct interior 40 , an inlet 42 , an outlet 44 and an airflow path (see arrows P 1 ) that extends from the inlet 42 , through the duct interior 40 and out the outlet 44 .
- a fan 46 is positioned to move air in through the inlet 42 and out through the outlet 44 .
- the fan 46 or other air moving component can be located in the duct interior or exterior to the duct portion.
- the sanitization assembly 30 includes an air sanitizing light system 48 that includes one or more sanitizing light emitters 50 disposed in the duct interior 40 between the inlet and the outlet.
- the sanitizing light emitters 50 can be UV lights, LEDs or any type of light emitting device that emits light of a wavelength that sanitizes and kills or destroys pathogens and the like.
- a reflective coating 52 is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface 38 of the duct.
- the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30 a is positioned between the sink 34 and the mirror 32 .
- the sink 34 includes a backsplash 54 and the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30 a is positioned between the top of the backsplash 54 and below the bottom of the mirror 32 .
- the duct portion 36 of the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30 a includes a transparent section 56 defined therein.
- the transparent section 56 can be a transparent cover or lens that is secured or positioned in an opening defined in the duct portion 36 .
- the transparent section 56 allows some of the light emitted from the sanitizing light emitters 50 to pass through the transparent section, to the exterior of the duct portion or sanitization assembly so the light can sanitize components, air or the like outside or exterior to the sanitization assembly.
- certain sanitizing light emitters 50 can be positioned such that light emitted therefrom is directed through the transparent section 56 .
- These sanitizing light members 50 together may be referred to herein as an exterior sanitizing light system 58 . As shown in FIG.
- the inlet 42 and/or the fan 46 extends beyond or further outboard than the outboard side surfaces of the sink and mirror.
- the sanitization assemblies 30 preferably include a power source, such as a wired connection to electricity or a battery, for powering the lights, fan, etc.
- the light directed through the transparent section 56 is directed to the sink and surfaces thereon (e.g., faucet, counter, dispensers, sink bowl, etc.) to sanitize those surfaces. Therefore, the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30 a helps sanitize the air within the lavatory interior by moving the air through the duct portion and also helps sanitize the surfaces on or near the sink. It will be appreciated that the exterior sanitizing light emitters that direct light through the transparent section will also sanitize some of the air within the duct interior.
- the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30 a can also be positioned in other locations such it can sanitize other surfaces, such as above the toilet or the door handle.
- the sanitization assembly 30 may also include a fragrance dispenser positioned within the airflow path at any point between the inlet 42 and the outlet 44 .
- FIG. 3 shows a fragrance dispenser 60 embodied as a wicking fabric through which at least a portion of the air moving along the airflow path P 1 moves.
- any type of fragrance dispenser or component for providing a scent to the exiting air is within the scope of the present invention.
- the interior sanitization assembly 30 b includes a mounting member 62 that includes a main body portion 64 that may be connected or attached to a surface, such as a wall, and first and second bracket members 66 extending from and/or attached to the main body portion 64 .
- the first and second bracket members 66 each include an opening 68 defined therein or therethrough and the duct portion 36 extends between and through the openings 68 .
- a transparent member or section can also be added to the sanitizing assembly 30 b shown in FIG. 4 .
- any or all of the sanitizing light emitters 50 may be arranged in various patterns and/or one or more arrays around the interior or inner surface 38 of the duct portion 30 .
- the duct portion 30 also includes the UV reflective coating 52 on the inside of the duct in order to reflect the light waves in the duct interior 40 through which the air flows and the airflow path P 1 extends so as to help provide enough energy to kill airborne pathogens in the desired or predetermined amount of time.
- the air sanitizing light system 48 in any of the sanitization assemblies 30 , 30 a or 30 b can include a plurality of sanitizing light emitters 50 arranged in a circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion, as shown in FIGS. 5 A- 5 D .
- FIG. 4 shows the sanitizing light emitters 50 in a helix pattern or array. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment where the duct portion or the inner surface thereof is not circular, the sanitizing light emitters 50 can still be arranged circumferentially, meaning they are arranged around or thereabout the inner surface.
- the inner surface 38 of the duct portion 36 defines a radius R 1 that extends from the inner surface to the center of the circle in an embodiment, where the duct portion is circular or cylindrical. It will be appreciated that axis of the duct portion extends along the center of the duct portion. Therefore, in an embodiment, where the duct portion or the inner surface thereof is not circular, the radius or line R 1 extends from the inner surface to the axis of the duct portion.
- the air sanitizing light emitters 50 within an array can be arranged to all direct light inwardly parallel to or along the radius R 1 (or radially inwardly), as shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5 B . In FIGS.
- each light emitter 50 includes a plurality or set of lines extending therefrom representing the light or light rays shining or emitting from the emitter.
- the set of lines includes a center line or arrow labeled D 1 that represents the angle that the direct light is emitting from the emitter.
- the direct line D 1 is coincident and/or parallel to the radius R 1 , showing that the light is directed along the radius R 1 and toward the axis of the duct portion or duct interior.
- the air sanitizing light emitters within an array can be arranged to all direct light at a non-zero angle ⁇ (non-parallel or any angle between 1° and) 89° to the radius R 1 , as shown in FIGS. 5 C and 5 D .
- the direct arrow or line D 1 is angled with respect to the radius R 1 , showing that the light is directed at a non-zero angle ⁇ (non-parallel) to the radius R 1 .
- Line D 1 also is shown as reflecting off of the reflective coating 52 in FIGS. 5 C and 5 D .
- the reflective coating can coat the entire inner surface of the duct portion and can be positioned in an number of predetermined areas to strategically reflect the light from various emitters.
- some air sanitizing light emitters 50 can be arranged to direct light parallel with the radius and others within the same array can be arranged to direct light at a non-zero angle.
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- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
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Abstract
A vehicle lavatory monument assembly that includes an enclosure having a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a lavatory interior, an entry door positioned on one of the plurality of walls, and a sanitization assembly positioned in the lavatory interior. The sanitization assembly includes a duct portion that includes an inner surface that defines a duct interior, an inlet, an outlet and an airflow path that extends from the inlet, through the duct interior and out the outlet. A fan is positioned to move air in through the inlet and out through the outlet. An air sanitizing light system that includes at least a first air sanitizing light emitter is disposed in the duct interior between the inlet and the outlet. A reflective coating is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to air sanitizing systems, and more specifically to an air sanitization system for an aircraft lavatory.
- Commercial Airline operations are being disrupted by the COVID 19 crisis. Airline passenger trips have reduced significantly causing a financial crisis in the industry. Airlines are interested in developing and deploying technology, products, and solutions that will clean, sanitize, disinfect, or even sterilize the aircraft interior before, during, or after flight. Many solutions are proposed and discussed within the industry and within the general media. These solutions can include wiping surfaces with cleaning liquids, replacing the materials used in high-touch areas with materials that have anti-microbial properties, adding films to high touch surfaces with anti-microbial properties, or using UCV lights as pathogen killing devices. COVID-19 is considered an airborne pathogen, and the present invention is related to the sanitization of airborne pathogens.
- When a toilet is flushed, there is a violent air exchange. This event can cause excrement, which may have e-coli or virus present (such as SARS-COV-2) to be dispersed into a lavatory. The dispersion can include very small particles, these particles, which may have pathogens present, can then be present in the lavatory. Cleaning on sterilizing surfaces may not eliminate the presence of airborne pathogens in an enclosed space. There is a need for solutions that not only clean the surfaces of an enclosed space, but also the volume of air within the enclosed space.
- Commercial aircraft have confined spaces. One such confined space is a lavatory, another confined space is a galley. Before, during, and after flights the crew and passengers use these confined spaces. Due to the nature of the activities in these confined spaces, there can be smells and odors present that can be unpleasant to the crew and passengers. Passengers often associates smells with cleanliness. Sanitizing air with a UV light, or other means, may not eliminate odors and smells. There is a need to also create a pleasant odor in these confined spaces. High end scent generation is today available in multiple forms. For example, scent marketing is used to enhance customer experience in retail stores, food and beverage stores, casinos and hotels. The aim is typically to put the customer in a positive mood or to otherwise make the customer feel comfortable. The aim can also be to provide a scent that people associated with a clean, fresh, or natural environment. By coupling the sanitization system described herein with a scent machine a total clean environment that is potentially free of many harmful bacteria and viruses can be provided and can therefore provide for a pleasant odor free or odor scent enhanced experience.
- Many sanitization systems target the cleaning of surfaces, but not the volume of air. This is a critical concern in an aircraft lavatory since the COVID-19 pandemic began. There is a need for a system that can sanitize airborne pathogens quickly and effectively.
- The current state of the art for air sanitization include UV radiators. UV radiators have UV light sources inside of an enclosed housing (typically a cylinder). There are UV reflective coatings applied to the inside of the housing. As air passes through the housing, the air particles are bombarded by UV light, which kills pathogens once a threshold is achieved.
- The current state of the art for aircraft air filtration is the use of HEPA filters. HEPA filters are very efficient in removing unwanted contaminates and from air, but they greatly reduce the air flow within the system. Also, there is a pressure limit at which the system can effectively operate when using a HEPA filter.
- Typically aircraft filtration systems use HEPA filters to filter contaminates and pathogens from the air. HEPA filters greatly restrict airflow within a system. Using a UV air sanitization system would allow the airflow within the system to be significantly increased.
- HEPA filters are typically installed in a central location in the aircraft once the air leaves the HEPA filter it may combine with local pathogens. For example, when a passenger sneezes inside a lavatory, the exhaled air may include moisture laden pathogens. There is now a local condition where pathogens are present. Similarly, when a passenger uses a toilet, or a toilet is flushed, non-desirable odors and smell are generated. The central HEPA filter does not prevent this.
- The present invention includes an air duct that can be used to sanitize the air inside of an enclosed space to remove, kill, destroy or eliminate airborne pathogens. The air duct contains UV light sources or emitters located in a pattern around the interior surface of the air and a UV reflective coating on the inside of the duct in order to provide enough energy to kill airborne pathogens in a short amount of time. Because UV is being used to sanitize the air and not a HEPA filter, the airflow within the system can be significantly increased with a fan forcing optimal dwell time pathways. Lastly, a fragrance dispenser can be placed at or near the outlet of the air sanitization system to give the clean air a refreshing scent. As a result, the present invention creates a sanitization system that can quickly kill airborne pathogens that are present within an aircraft lavatory that is safe for occupants, produces a scent that can be desirable for occupants and has low power requirements.
- In a preferred embodiment, a UV radiator is located at or near the ceiling of an aircraft lavatory. This can be either near the entry door to the lavatory, next to the mirror or over the toilet in the lavatory. The UV radiator includes a cylindrical duct (or other shape such as a polygon, ovular, etc.). Located on the interior surface of the cylindrical duct are UV light sources. Preferably, the interior of the duct is open with no middle interior items of any kind so that air flow and reflectivity have optimized performance. However, this is not a limitation. The UV light sources can be located in a helix pattern, or other similar pattern to maximize coverage of the UV light waves within the cylinder. The interior surface of the duct may be coated with UV reflective materials. In addition, a fan may be located within the duct. The fan pushes the air through the duct while the UVC light sources bombard the air particles with UV energy. The UV reflective coating increases the amount of UV energy that is absorbed by the pathogens, which destroys them.
- In a preferred embodiment, there is an inlet and an outlet to the cylindrical duct. A fragrance dispenser is located at or near the outlet of the duct, which adds a refreshing scent to the sanitized air. By placing the fragrance dispenser in-line with the UV system one can reduce the need of an additional fan. Sensors, controller and other parts can be shared to reduce the overall weight, complexity and costs of the combined system(s).
- In another preferred embodiment, there is an edge placement of inlet and opposing edge placement of outlet, or a flow redirection surface at the inlet and outlet that force the air to circulate in a helical pattern, increasing dwell time and reducing disinfection time.
- In another preferred embodiment, the system can be placed in, on or near a galley to have similar benefits to those described herein with respect to a lavatory.
- In another preferred embodiment, the UV may be located underneath the lavatory mirror. In this embodiment, a portion of the cylindrical duct is replaced with a UV transparent lens, which faces toward the sink. The UV transparent lens allows UV light waves to exit the cylinder and contact the surface of the lavatory sink, which sanitizes the surfaces of the sink while also sanitizing the air that is passing through the UV radiator duct. Again, in this embodiment, an air fragrance dispenser is located at the outlet of the UV radiator duct which adds a refreshing scent to the sanitized air.
- It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments (a combination of a UV radiator located under the mirror, over the door, and/or near the lavatory ceiling) can be used in the solution.
- Using UV light is one method of destroying pathogens. Once a particular amount of UV energy is absorbed by the pathogen, it is destroyed. In order to increase the rate at which UV energy is absorbed by pathogens, UV reflective coatings can be applied to the interior surface of an air duct, which increases the amount of energy that is directed at destroying pathogens and not being wasted as heat. With the interior free of objects, the reflection is highly optimized.
- It will be appreciated that there are three different functions being addressed by the present invention: clean air, scent air, and clean surfaces, by combination of design elements all three, or two, or one, function can be addressed.
- One of the key enablers of the present invention is the UV reflective coating that may be applied to the interior of the air duct and also the locations of the UV light sources on the interior surface of the duct. These enablers greatly increases the amount of energy that is directed at airborne pathogens which decreased the time that it takes for the pathogens to be destroyed. This reflective surface also creates light paths within and outside of the device. The light paths outside of the device are used to clean surfaces. The less time it takes for the pathogens to be destroyed, the greater the air flow within the system can be. This lowers the amount of time needed to sanitize the full volume of lavatory air. The type of reflective surface and the associated percent of reflectivity has an exponential effect on intensity.
- By combining the air flow over the LED light sources with airflow over the scent generating device (e.g., a wicking fabric with scent liquid, see U.S. Patent App. 2017/0253338, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein, as an example), with the scent device upstream of the UV device, a single motor driven fan can be used and this air flow can also be used to cool the LEDs.
- A plurality of sanitization assemblies can also be part of a sanitization system that are in wireless or wired communication with one another and/or a controller that controls the sanitization assemblies and the various components, such as the fan, the lights, the scent dispenser, etc. (e.g., turn the fan on and off, adjust or changes the speed of the fan, turn the lights on and off, adjust or change the intensity, direction or duration of the lights, dispense scent or sanitizer).
- It will be appreciated that LEDs during their operation generate heat, which can cause LED temperatures to rise. LED reliability and life is impacted by temperature. When LEDs are used, the designer of the product has to ensure sufficient cooling methods available, which can include convective, radiative, or conductive paths. The requirement to remove heat from LEDs can cause results that are not desirable to the customers (as they drive weight and complexity). Therefore, it is beneficial for the product design to be able to use cooling paths generated by the surrounding equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the air travelling through the duct portion, that is pushed or delivered from the fan has an air flow that is sufficient or capable of cooling the LEDs. The air movement is created by the same fan used to push the air through the sanitization system.
- The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lavatory monument assembly including a plurality of sanitizing assemblies therein in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is perspective view of a portion of the lavatory monument assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an interior/exterior sanitization assembly; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an interior sanitization assembly; -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array; -
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array; -
FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array; and -
FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array. - Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments. If a component is not shown in a drawing then this provides support for a negative limitation in the claims stating that that component is “not” present. However, the above statement is not limiting and in another embodiment, the missing component can be included in a claimed embodiment.
- Reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “a preferred embodiment” or any other phrase mentioning the word “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure and also means that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one embodiment can be included in any embodiment or can be omitted or excluded from any embodiment. Furthermore, any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein may be optional.
- Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same,
FIGS. 1-5D show a vehiclelavatory monument assembly 10 that includes one or more sanitization assembles 30 therein. In a preferred embodiment, the lavatory monument assembly is utilized in an aircraft. However, any type of vehicle, such as a train, bus, etc. is within the scope of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1 , thelavatory monument assembly 10 generally includes anenclosure 12 that includes a plurality of walls (first wall 14, second wall 16,third wall 18 and fourth wall (now shown)) that cooperate to define alavatory interior 22. Theenclosure 12 preferably also includes afloor 24, aceiling 26 and anentry door 28 that is positioned on one of the plurality of walls. In the figures, theentry door 28 is shown positioned on the second wall 16. However, this is not a limitation and the door can be positioned on any wall. In a preferred embodiment, thelavatory monument assembly 10 includes one ormore sanitization assemblies 30 positioned in thelavatory interior 22. -
FIG. 1 shows threesanitization assemblies 30 therein, afirst sanitization assembly 30 belowmirror 32 and above thesink 34, asecond sanitization assembly 30 on the third wall next to themirror 32 and athird sanitization assembly 30 above thedoor 28. Any number of sanitization assemblies within the lavatory is within the scope of the present invention. -
FIG. 1 also shows two different types ofsanitization assemblies 30. The first type ofsanitization assembly 30 that is positioned above the sink (seeFIGS. 2 and 3 ) is also referred to generally herein as an interior/exterior sanitization assembly and is numbered 30 a. The second type of sanitization assembly 30 (seeFIG. 4 ) is referred to herein as an interior sanitization assembly and is numbered 30 b. Therefore, the sanitization assemblies are labeled/numbered generally as 30 and the interior/exterior sanitization assembly is labeled/numbered specifically as 30 a and the interior sanitization assembly is labeled/numbered specifically as 30 b. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thesanitization assembly 30 includes aduct portion 36 that includes aninner surface 38 that defines aduct interior 40, aninlet 42, anoutlet 44 and an airflow path (see arrows P1) that extends from theinlet 42, through theduct interior 40 and out theoutlet 44. In a preferred embodiment, afan 46 is positioned to move air in through theinlet 42 and out through theoutlet 44. Thefan 46 or other air moving component can be located in the duct interior or exterior to the duct portion. In a preferred embodiment, thesanitization assembly 30 includes an air sanitizinglight system 48 that includes one or more sanitizinglight emitters 50 disposed in theduct interior 40 between the inlet and the outlet. As described herein, the sanitizinglight emitters 50 can be UV lights, LEDs or any type of light emitting device that emits light of a wavelength that sanitizes and kills or destroys pathogens and the like. Preferably, a reflective coating 52 (seeFIGS. 5A-5D ) is disposed on at least a portion of theinner surface 38 of the duct. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment, the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30 a is positioned between thesink 34 and themirror 32. Preferably, thesink 34 includes a backsplash 54 and the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30 a is positioned between the top of the backsplash 54 and below the bottom of themirror 32. In a preferred embodiment, theduct portion 36 of the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30 a includes atransparent section 56 defined therein. For example, thetransparent section 56 can be a transparent cover or lens that is secured or positioned in an opening defined in theduct portion 36. It will be appreciated that thetransparent section 56 allows some of the light emitted from the sanitizinglight emitters 50 to pass through the transparent section, to the exterior of the duct portion or sanitization assembly so the light can sanitize components, air or the like outside or exterior to the sanitization assembly. As shown inFIG. 3 , in a preferred embodiment, certain sanitizinglight emitters 50 can be positioned such that light emitted therefrom is directed through thetransparent section 56. These sanitizinglight members 50 together may be referred to herein as an exterior sanitizing light system 58. As shown inFIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment, theinlet 42 and/or thefan 46 extends beyond or further outboard than the outboard side surfaces of the sink and mirror. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the first wall of thelavatory monument assembly 10 is configured to be positioned against the wall of an aircraft (i.e., outboard from the second wall). Thesanitization assemblies 30 preferably include a power source, such as a wired connection to electricity or a battery, for powering the lights, fan, etc. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the light directed through thetransparent section 56 is directed to the sink and surfaces thereon (e.g., faucet, counter, dispensers, sink bowl, etc.) to sanitize those surfaces. Therefore, the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30 a helps sanitize the air within the lavatory interior by moving the air through the duct portion and also helps sanitize the surfaces on or near the sink. It will be appreciated that the exterior sanitizing light emitters that direct light through the transparent section will also sanitize some of the air within the duct interior. The interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30 a can also be positioned in other locations such it can sanitize other surfaces, such as above the toilet or the door handle. - In a preferred embodiment, the
sanitization assembly 30 may also include a fragrance dispenser positioned within the airflow path at any point between theinlet 42 and theoutlet 44.FIG. 3 shows afragrance dispenser 60 embodied as a wicking fabric through which at least a portion of the air moving along the airflow path P1 moves. However, any type of fragrance dispenser or component for providing a scent to the exiting air is within the scope of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , in a preferred embodiment, theinterior sanitization assembly 30 b includes a mountingmember 62 that includes amain body portion 64 that may be connected or attached to a surface, such as a wall, and first andsecond bracket members 66 extending from and/or attached to themain body portion 64. The first andsecond bracket members 66 each include anopening 68 defined therein or therethrough and theduct portion 36 extends between and through theopenings 68. A transparent member or section can also be added to the sanitizingassembly 30 b shown inFIG. 4 . - As shown in
FIGS. 5A-5D , in a preferred embodiment, any or all of the sanitizing light emitters 50 (interior air or exterior sanitizing light members) may be arranged in various patterns and/or one or more arrays around the interior orinner surface 38 of theduct portion 30. Preferably, theduct portion 30 also includes the UVreflective coating 52 on the inside of the duct in order to reflect the light waves in theduct interior 40 through which the air flows and the airflow path P1 extends so as to help provide enough energy to kill airborne pathogens in the desired or predetermined amount of time. For example, the air sanitizinglight system 48 in any of thesanitization assemblies light emitters 50 arranged in a circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion, as shown inFIGS. 5A-5D .FIG. 4 shows the sanitizinglight emitters 50 in a helix pattern or array. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment where the duct portion or the inner surface thereof is not circular, the sanitizinglight emitters 50 can still be arranged circumferentially, meaning they are arranged around or thereabout the inner surface. - As shown in
FIG. 5A , theinner surface 38 of theduct portion 36 defines a radius R1 that extends from the inner surface to the center of the circle in an embodiment, where the duct portion is circular or cylindrical. It will be appreciated that axis of the duct portion extends along the center of the duct portion. Therefore, in an embodiment, where the duct portion or the inner surface thereof is not circular, the radius or line R1 extends from the inner surface to the axis of the duct portion. The air sanitizinglight emitters 50 within an array can be arranged to all direct light inwardly parallel to or along the radius R1 (or radially inwardly), as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B . InFIGS. 5A and 5B , eachlight emitter 50 includes a plurality or set of lines extending therefrom representing the light or light rays shining or emitting from the emitter. The set of lines includes a center line or arrow labeled D1 that represents the angle that the direct light is emitting from the emitter. As shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B , the direct line D1 is coincident and/or parallel to the radius R1, showing that the light is directed along the radius R1 and toward the axis of the duct portion or duct interior. - In another embodiment, the air sanitizing light emitters within an array can be arranged to all direct light at a non-zero angle θ (non-parallel or any angle between 1° and) 89° to the radius R1, as shown in
FIGS. 5C and 5D . In other words, as shown inFIGS. 5C and 5D , the direct arrow or line D1 is angled with respect to the radius R1, showing that the light is directed at a non-zero angle θ (non-parallel) to the radius R1. Line D1 also is shown as reflecting off of thereflective coating 52 inFIGS. 5C and 5D . The reflective coating can coat the entire inner surface of the duct portion and can be positioned in an number of predetermined areas to strategically reflect the light from various emitters. - In another embodiment, some air sanitizing
light emitters 50 can be arranged to direct light parallel with the radius and others within the same array can be arranged to direct light at a non-zero angle. - The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples and are not limiting: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.
- Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Claims (19)
1. A vehicle lavatory monument assembly comprising:
an enclosure that includes a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a lavatory interior, wherein an entry door is positioned on one of the plurality of walls, and
a sanitization assembly positioned in the lavatory interior, wherein the sanitization assembly includes a duct portion that includes an inner surface that defines a duct interior, an inlet, an outlet and an airflow path that extends from the inlet, through the duct interior and out the outlet, wherein a fan is positioned to move air in through the inlet and out through the outlet, wherein an air sanitizing light system that includes at least a first air sanitizing light emitter is disposed in the duct interior between the inlet and the outlet, and wherein a reflective coating is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface.
2. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 1 wherein the air sanitizing light system includes a plurality of air sanitizing light emitters arranged in a first circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion.
3. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 2 further comprising a sink positioned in the lavatory interior, wherein the sanitization assembly is positioned above the sink, wherein the duct portion includes a transparent section defined therein, wherein an exterior sanitizing light system that includes at least a first exterior sanitizing light emitter is disposed in the duct interior, wherein the first exterior sanitizing light emitter is positioned to direct light through the transparent section and to an exterior of the duct portion.
4. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 3 further comprising a fragrance dispenser positioned within the airflow path between the inlet and the outlet.
5. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 2 wherein the inner surface of the duct portion defines a radius, wherein the air sanitizing light emitters in the first circumferential array are arranged to direct light radially inwardly.
6. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 2 wherein the air sanitizing light emitters in the first circumferential array are arranged to direct light at a non-zero angle to the radius.
7. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 2 wherein the air sanitizing light emitters in the first circumferential array are arranged in a helical pattern.
8. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 1 wherein the sanitization assembly includes a mounting member that includes a main body portion and first and second bracket members connected to the main body portion, wherein the first and second bracket members each include an opening defined therethrough, wherein the duct portion extends through the openings in the first and second bracket members.
9. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 1 wherein the air moving through the duct interior cools the first sanitizing light emitter.
10. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 4 wherein the fragrance dispenser is positioned within the airflow path between the inlet and the transparent section.
11. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 4 wherein the fragrance dispenser is positioned within the airflow path and adjacent the inlet.
12. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 4 wherein the fragrance dispenser is positioned within the airflow path and adjacent the outlet.
13. A vehicle lavatory monument assembly comprising:
an enclosure that includes a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a lavatory interior, wherein an entry door is positioned on one of the plurality of walls, wherein a sink is positioned on one of the plurality of walls, wherein the sink includes a backsplash, wherein a mirror is positioned above the sink, and
a first sanitization assembly positioned between the mirror and the backsplash, wherein the first sanitization assembly includes
a duct portion that includes an inner surface that defines a duct interior, an inlet, an outlet and an airflow path that extends from the inlet, through the duct interior and out the outlet, wherein a fan is positioned to move air in through the inlet and out through the outlet, wherein the duct portion includes a transparent section defined therein between the inlet and the outlet, wherein a reflective coating is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface,
an air sanitizing light system that includes a plurality of air sanitizing light emitters arranged in a first circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion disposed in the duct interior between the inlet and the transparent section, wherein the air moving through the duct interior cools the first sanitizing light emitter,
an exterior sanitizing light system that includes a plurality of exterior sanitizing light emitters disposed in the duct interior and positioned to direct light through the transparent section and to the sink,
a fragrance dispenser positioned within the airflow path between the transparent section and the outlet.
14. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 13 further comprising a second sanitization assembly disposed in the lavatory interior, wherein the second sanitization assembly includes a duct portion that includes an inner surface that defines a duct interior, an inlet, an outlet and an airflow path that extends from the inlet, through the duct interior and out the outlet, wherein a reflective coating is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface, an air sanitizing light system that includes a plurality of air sanitizing light emitters arranged in a first circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion disposed in the duct interior between the inlet and the outlet, and a fragrance dispenser positioned within the airflow path between the transparent section and the outlet.
15. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 14 wherein the sink includes an outboard side surface, wherein the mirror includes an outboard side surface, and wherein the outlet and the fan are positioned outboard of the outboard side surface.
16. A sanitization assembly comprising:
a duct portion that includes an inner surface that defines a duct interior, an inlet, an outlet and an airflow path that extends from the inlet, through the duct interior and out the outlet,
a fan positioned to move air in through the inlet and out through the outlet,
an air sanitizing light system that includes at least a first air sanitizing light emitter disposed in the duct interior between the inlet and the outlet, and
a reflective coating is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface.
17. The sanitization assembly of claim 16 wherein the air sanitizing light system includes a plurality of air sanitizing light emitters arranged in a first circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion.
18. The sanitization assembly of claim 17 wherein the duct portion includes a transparent section defined therein, wherein an exterior sanitizing light system that includes at least a first exterior sanitizing light emitter is disposed in the duct interior, wherein the first exterior sanitizing light emitter is positioned to direct light through the transparent section and to an exterior of the duct portion.
19. The sanitization assembly of claim 18 wherein the air moving through the duct interior cools the air sanitizing light emitters.
Priority Applications (4)
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US17/462,386 US20230061757A1 (en) | 2021-08-31 | 2021-08-31 | Airborne pathogen sanitization system |
JP2024513281A JP2024531501A (en) | 2021-08-31 | 2022-08-31 | A system for disinfecting airborne pathogens |
PCT/US2022/042203 WO2023034414A1 (en) | 2021-08-31 | 2022-08-31 | Airborne pathogen sanitization system |
EP22865503.1A EP4396083A1 (en) | 2021-08-31 | 2022-08-31 | Airborne pathogen sanitization system |
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US17/462,386 US20230061757A1 (en) | 2021-08-31 | 2021-08-31 | Airborne pathogen sanitization system |
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US11724000B1 (en) * | 2021-04-01 | 2023-08-15 | George Erik McMillan | UV-C upper air purifier with down lighting combined fixture |
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2021
- 2021-08-31 US US17/462,386 patent/US20230061757A1/en active Pending
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- 2022-08-31 EP EP22865503.1A patent/EP4396083A1/en active Pending
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- 2022-08-31 JP JP2024513281A patent/JP2024531501A/en active Pending
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US20180361008A1 (en) * | 2017-01-27 | 2018-12-20 | Sterilumen, Inc. | Disinfecting vanity mirrors |
US20220184248A1 (en) * | 2020-12-11 | 2022-06-16 | The Boeing Company | Ultraviolet light-emitting module and disinfecting system |
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JP2024531501A (en) | 2024-08-29 |
WO2023034414A1 (en) | 2023-03-09 |
EP4396083A1 (en) | 2024-07-10 |
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